Public consultation on proposals to reform electoral registration process

The Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to reform the electoral registration process. Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform, John Paul Phelan, T.D., launched the consultation on 17 December and said the proposals are aimed at enabling people to register in simpler and more user-friendly ways. The way people register to vote or amend their details (for example, address) on the Register of Electors has not changed significantly since the foundation of the State.

Balancing security and ease of access to protect the integrity of our registration process

Building an electoral register that is secure, comprehensive and accurate

Data sharing in the future – subject to clear standards, limits and safeguards

Minister Phelan said: “Reducing the number of different registration forms; allowing people to register online; and introducing a process of continuous or rolling registration would make the registration process much more user-friendly and similar to the way people interact with other State services. These changes reflect changes in how we live today.”

On the public consultation process the Minister said: “Public confidence in any reform of the electoral registration process is paramount as the system affects all of us. The outcome of this consultation process will inform the development of detailed proposals for implementation. That is why I encourage everyone to consider these proposals and have their say.”

People can read the proposals at www.registerreform.gov.ie. They can make a submission by emailing registerreform@housing.gov.ie or by post to:

Electoral Registration Project Consultation

Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

Custom House

Dublin 1

D01 W6X0

They can also request print copies of the proposals by emailing the address above.

The deadline for sending in a submission is 15 March 2018.

All submissions (including names) will be published on the website of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (www.housing.gov.ie). All submissions are also subject to Freedom of Information requests.